Maduro Breaks Silence on Phone Call with Trump, Reveals Why Confirmation Took Time

Nicolás Maduro has publicly acknowledged a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump amidst heightened military activity in the Caribbean, alleged attacks on drug-trafficking vessels, and increasing air travel disruptions in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan leader described the conversation as "cordial" and conducted in a "respectful tone," which international analysts and media see as a potential step towards reopening diplomatic relations severed since 2019.

During a televised broadcast from Petare, a well-known neighborhood in Caracas, Maduro ended his silence about the call, which he claimed took place "around ten days ago," suggesting that the dialogue occurred around November 21-23.

"About ten days ago, the White House called the Miraflores Palace. I had a phone conversation with President Donald Trump," he stated.

Diplomatic Prudence and Delayed Confirmation

Maduro explained the delay in confirming the call, citing his experience as a former foreign minister under Hugo Chávez: "I learned diplomatic prudence. I like prudence, I don't like microphone diplomacy. Important matters must remain silent until they happen."

The Venezuelan president emphasized the importance of reopening channels of communication: "If that call signifies steps towards respectful state-to-state dialogue, then dialogue and diplomacy are welcome, as we always seek peace."

Turbulent Backdrop to the Phone Call

The call took place during one of the most strained times in U.S.-Venezuela relations in recent years.

Recently, the U.S. has ramped up its military presence in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, conducting at least 21 strikes against vessels allegedly tied to drug trafficking, according to the Pentagon.

These actions reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 82 individuals.

Moreover, the Trump administration has issued warnings to airlines regarding Venezuelan airspace, labeling it a "potentially dangerous situation."

In response, Venezuela revoked operating permits for eight international airlines, including Spanish carriers Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra.

While Trump asserts that these measures "go far beyond" exerting pressure on Maduro, the Venezuelan leader accuses the U.S. of attempting to overthrow him and infringing on national sovereignty.

"The path for the people of the United States and Venezuela must be one of respect, diplomacy, and dialogue," Maduro reiterated.

Speculation and Rumors: Was There More Than a Call?

Since news of the exchange broke, there have been numerous leaks and speculations about the potential terms discussed.

According to Reuters and other U.S. media, Maduro might have offered to step down under certain conditions: amnesty for himself and his family, lifting sanctions on high-ranking officials, and establishing an interim government led by his Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez.

However, none of these reports have been confirmed by the involved parties.

Instead, sources cited by The New York Times and El País describe the conversation as "correct" and suggest it could be seen as a first step toward broader dialogue, although it did not result in any concrete agreements or immediate plans for a face-to-face meeting.

Trump confirmed the contact days earlier.

"I don't want to comment on it. The answer is yes. I wouldn't say it went well or poorly. It was a phone call," he tersely told the press. The U.S. president briefly mentioned the call again on Wednesday, stating that he discussed "a couple of issues" with Maduro, adding, "We'll see what happens."

Although neither leader has disclosed details about the conversation's content, the mere confirmation of the contact has sparked a flurry of conjecture about its implications.

Trump has denied the existence of a second conversation with Maduro, as speculated in some circles. Nevertheless, observers suggest that if there was another call, both parties might have agreed to keep it confidential.

Contradictory Signals Amid Crisis

The context of this contact is alarming. In August, Trump increased the bounty for Maduro's capture to $50 million, formally accusing him of narco-terrorism as the leader of the so-called "Cartel of the Suns," an alleged criminal organization embedded within Venezuelan military and government structures.

Caracas, on the other hand, has consistently accused Washington of seeking "regime change."

Meanwhile, in the same appearance where he spoke about the call with Trump, Maduro confirmed the resumption of flights carrying deported migrants from the U.S., noting that one such flight would be landing that very Wednesday in Maiquetía.

This suggests that, beyond the rhetorical clash and sanctions, certain operational channels remain open between the two governments.

A Potential Turning Point?

Despite its brevity, the conversation between Maduro and Trump could represent a temporary impasse in a scenario dominated by tension, hostility, and mutual distrust.

While the U.S. military continues reconnaissance flights near Venezuela and anti-drug operations persist, the Chavista regime refrains from directly criticizing Trump, leaving that task to its staunchest supporters.

Maduro appears to be adopting a restrained rhetoric, appealing to diplomacy even as accusations intensify on both sides.